The big flaw

The cash splashed at Manchester City, Aston Villa and Spurs means the Merseyside club are no longer seen as one of the Premier League’s leading sides.

Moyes reckons City could have a chance of becoming champions thanks to the mega- millions spent by Mark Hughes.

But he also thinks that his Everton side have been written off too early – and says that will be his motivation for the rest of this season.

He said: “I think City have a great chance of winning the league. I have said that before – and I think Tottenham and Aston Villa will be in there as well.

“And they should all be talked of in that breath because of their fi nances. “I think if I had spent that money, I would have had a feeling I should be trying to achieve that position.

“But, considering where we are, I think that sometimes we go a little bit unnoticed.

“We have come fi fth in the last two years and I don’t think anyone has really said anything about Everton.

“It is not my job to say ‘I told you so’ but, behind the scenes, I am as determined as ever, maybe more so, to fi nish as high as we can.” Goodison Park has been cursed with injuries in the last 12 months, with the likes of Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka, Yakubu, Victor Anichebe and Phil Neville all facing lay-offs.

But Moyes is confi dent that next month will see the return of Jagielka and Arteta from cruciate knee injuries – as well as Neville’s comeback.

He said: “I think November-ish is when we are looking at getting them back in.

“Phil Jagielka is doing well and we would probably think about November with some luck – and Mikel is about the same.

“Even Victor Anichebe, too, who is important for us as another player.” Stoke surrendered 2-0 to Manchester United last week after Ryan Giggs inspired the Red Devils to victory.

The Premier League champions are the first side to really dominate Tony Pulis’ men this term.

But Pulis is confi dent they will put that right at Goodison Park today.

He said: “We didn’t throw any punches last week. We shadow-boxed for 90 minutes and you don’t win any fi ghts like that.

“The lads don’t need a kick up the backside, though. They have been brilliant and will respond in the right way at Everton.

“Yes, I was very angry after the United game but I’ve had a few worse rants. It’s just these lads haven’t seen it!”